As we have all experienced, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the way we live and interact. In particular, the dynamic of modern workplaces has changed considerably as many companies move into a work from home system. Whilst many have enjoyed the luxuries of home office furniture, the removal from social interaction and collaborative space can damage one’s overall capacity for workplace success. Given the struggles that isolation can and have brought, it is important for employers to keep a close eye on workplace morale and culture.
Here’s 5 ways that employers can improve workplace morale and culture:
1. Encourage Individual Flexibility
People have different needs, values, wants and situations. Rather than making assumptions about your employee’s situations and applying the same set of rules to govern all schedules remotely, it will be beneficial to promote flexibility.
With the eradication of the typical 9-5 working day, you may find that certain employees are more productive earlier in the mornings, or later at nights. For example, one employee may have to keep an eye on their son/daughter’s remote online learning during these hours and may not be as productive as would they be after school hours.
2. Help Employees Overcome Loneliness
Overcoming social isolation is one of the greatest challenges of our modern times. Without colleagues around, employers must work with their staff to maintain team identity and ensure continued collaboration across different areas of the business.
HR professionals should develop new systems to offer online support.
3. Express the Meaning of your Work
COVID-19 has incited a collective reimagination of what is important. People will have thought about their lives, their family and where work fits into this.
Actions speak louder than words – and this is a great opportunity for companies to express their values to staff.
4. Develop a Culture of Trust
Give people true responsibility and apply more of a coaching philosophy as opposed to management. By providing tangible resources, assistance programs and psychological support, employees will be more responsive in achieving company goals.
5. Be Open with Your Employees
Be honest and raw with your employees – fostering discussion outside of work topics and providing a human touch will develop your workplace culture and incentivise employees to achieve solid end results.
6. Provide Support for Tools and Hardware
Ease your employees’ transition into the remote work setup by providing them with all the necessary tools and hardware to do their jobs well. This includes giving access to any and all platforms and software that are necessary for day-to-day tasks.
Additionally, it can be important to help them understand that there are new tools out there that can help them stay on top of everything. Make sure they have access to these as well. Provide a set of policies or recommendations for new tech and productivity apps and websites.
If you can afford it, provide the necessary hardware too by allowing them to bring the computers and other essential hardware from the office. Not an option? Check out PC liquidation shops to find good deals on Dell computers, laptops, and more.
